Sikorsky delivers final VH-92A as US president takes first ride

The 23rd and final Sikorsky VH-92A departs the company's modification centre at Owego, New York. (Sikorsky)

Sikorsky has delivered the 23rd and final VH-92A presidential transport helicopter to the US Marine Corps (USMC), according to separate 19 August releases by the armed forces branch and company.

Twenty-one of the VH-92As are to be operated by the USMC's presidential transport squadron, HMX-1, as the president's primary helicopter transport; the other two will be retained for testing. The VH-92A is intended to replace the 10 Sikorsky VH-3Ds the squadron currently operates, which first entered service in 1978 and are based on the SH-3 Sea King, a type retired from US service in 2006.

Also on 19 August US President Joe Biden took his first ride aboard a VH-92A en route to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. This marks the first time a VH-92A has flown with the call sign Marine One, as is typical of any USMC helicopter flying with the president aboard.

The VH-92A is based on the civilian S-92, modified with a VIP interior and specialised communications systems. The S-92 (and VH-92A) is powered by two GE CT7-8A turboshaft engines rated for 1,879 kW (2,520 shp) at take-off. The civil version of the S-92 can lift off with up to 12 passengers or 12,020 kg (26,500 lb) of cargo, and fly as far as 539 n miles (998 km, 620 miles); although the VH-92A's specifications have not been publicly disclosed, it is likely slightly less capable due to the weight of communications and self-defence equipment. The helicopter can be transported by a Boeing C-17 airlifter.

For more information, please seeUS Navy contracts Sikorsky for VH-92A LRIP helicopters.